Apparatus for measuring the useful load in spring vehicles



0. SONNLECHNER AND J. SCHIDLOVS-KY. APPARATUS FOR MEASURING THE USEFUL LOAD m SPRING VEHICLES.

APPLICATION FILED DEC.24, I921.

Patented Oct. 17, 1922.

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APPLICATION HLED DEC.24, I921.

Patented Oct. 17, 1922.

2 SHEETSSHEET 2.

Patented Oct. 17, 1922.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE,

oSKAR SONNLECHNER, OF VIENNA, AUSTRIA, AND JosEr SCHIDLOVSKY, or

'GAGGENAU, GE MANY.

APPAnATUsroa mmsomno 'rnn USEFUL LOAD m srnmo VEHICLES.

Application filed December 24, 1921. Serial No. 524,791,

Ga enau, Baden, in German have inal: i a vented certain. new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Measuring the Useful Load in Spring Vehicles (for which we have applied for a patent in Austria August l, 1926-, and in Germany August 18,1920),

of which the followin is a'specification. The present invention relates to applianees 'i'or measuring the useful load in spring vehicles, more particularly motor lorries, by means of which the load acting on each, on several or on all of the springs of a vehicle can be measured before and after as well as during the drive.

The arrangement is characterized in this, that each one or each two springs of the vehicle act on a piston, working in a cylinder, which is lilled with fluid, is supported on the frame of the vehicle and communicates by a pipe with a measuring apparatus adapted to co-operate with the said cylinder only, or with several such cylinders, the

measuring apparatus consisting of a cylinder (the measuring cylinder) and a piston (the measuring piston) working in it and graduated to indicate weights. i

On a vehicle spring being flattened b the load, the piston belonging to it is pressed into its cylinder, forces the fluid in the latter through the communicating pipe into the measuring cylinder and thereby causes the measuring piston to be forced out of the measuring cylinder to an extent proportional to the flattening of the spring. As the flattening of the springs, that is, the decrease in each case in the distance between,

on the measuring piston. the load at any time on the spring or springs co-operating with 'rangement useless.

the measuring cylinder can be read'ofi'directly. The umts according to which the scale of the measuring cylinder is graduated must of course be adapted in each case to the strength of the springs'in question. Hence,

in order to be able to use the same appa-* ratus for springs of different strength, the scale provided on themeasuringpiston is.

not an ordinary linear'scale, but a so-called curve scale, in which the graduations are not parallel, but divergent, so that different sized units are obtained along different vertical lines.

The simple arrangement, mentioned above, of a piston, which is actuated by the vehicle spring'and is guided in a cylinder fixed to the frame of the vehicle and the connection of this cylinder with the measuring cylinder.

provided with a measuring piston has the disadvantage that the pipe and the piston are constantly exposed, when driving, to the violent, dynamic blows of the load, which would in a short time -make the whole ar- This resulted in the further problem of putting the whole measuring appliance out of action when driving. According to the invention this is effected by the pistons actuated by the vehicle springs only touching the said springs when a measurement is being made and being completely withdrawn into their cylinders when in their inoperative position.

For this purpose the said pistons are subject to the action of springs which lift them from the springs of the vehicle, that is, press them into the cylinders. In order, when making a measurement, to press the pistons, which are withdrawn into their cylinders, that is, lifted from the vehicle springs, down again until they touch the springs of the vehicle, besides the measuring piston, a second piston acting as a fluid displacer is guided in the measuring cylinder, which, when pressed into the measuring cylinder, forcesthe fluid out of it, namely, into the cylinders fixed to the frame of the vehicle, and thus forces the pistons out against the action of their tension springs until they touch-the springs of the vehicle.

The movement of the displacing piston is preferably effected by a self-locking gear, which prevents the displacer from returning, but a normal gear provided with a locking mechanism can also be used. In order to make the construction ascompact as possible the displacer is preferably given the shape of an annular cylinder, in which the measuring piston, which is under pressure, is guided.

In the accompanying drawing an arrangement constructed according to the invention is shown, in which Fig. 1 shows diagrammatically a vehicle fitted with the arrangement.

Fig. 2 shows the measurmg cylinder and Fig. 3 the cylinder fixed to the vehicle framewith its piston which is operated by the vehicle spring. i 7

Figs. 4:, 6, ,8 and 10 show the measuring cylinder in four different characteristic positions. i

Figs. 5, 7, 9 and 1.1 shows the cylinder fixedyto'the vehicle frame with its piston in the positions corresponding to those of the measuring apparatus in Figs. 4, 6, 8 andlO.

Above the crown ofeach vehicle springf' (Figs. 1, 3) a cylinder p is litted on the chassis (J, in which a piston g is guided, which is drawn into the cylinder by the tension springs 1'. The cylinder and'the piston Q can only be, located above the back springs or above the front springs. In another possible constructional form a single cylinder 19 with a piston g for the two back springs may be located in the centre of the vehicle, in

hollow cylindrical space of the piston O the measuring piston 12 is guided, whichis held in the bottom position shown in Fig. 2 by a spring B, which presses against the covering flange of the displacer O. The spring It is made of such strength that its pressure is considerably greater than the tension of all the springs 1", which act against the pistons gco-operating with the measuring cylinder.

The measuring piston 72 is provided, as stated above, with a curve scale, the divergent graduations O, 1, 2, 3 of which pass roundabout half of its cylindrical outer surface, while the horizontal zero line 0 of this scale coincides with the base of the piston head. On the upper edge of the neck of the displacer O (on which the head 6 rests) there is a radial mark .2 (Fig. 8).

On the outside of thescrew cap a there is a flange 6, which engages in an annular groove 6 ofthe head 71, of a; screw a, screwed into a sleeve 1;. Thesleeve o isguided on a vertical post to, which is. fixed to the bottom flange g of the measuring cylinder m and is provided like the measuring piston wlth a curve scale 0, l, 2, 3, the horizontal zero line 0 of which lies slightly above the bottom flange 9.

"The manner in which the scale on the post w is graduated and the object of this scale will be explained below.

The setting and functioning of the arrangement is as follows In the inoperative position the members occupy the positions shown in Figs. 2 and 3, that is, the pistons Q, which are located above the springs 7" of the vehicle, arein the uppermost position shown in Fig.3, that is, are withdrawn intotheir cylinders p, while the measuring piston n is arranged within the displacer O. The head of the piston g is at a distance ra from the centre of the upper surface of the spring 7.

Ifthe vehicle is to be loaded and the load is to be ascertained, the displacer piston O is forced before loading commences, into the measuring cylinder m by screwing down the screw cap a, whereby the fluid in the measuring cylinder is forced through the pipes 0 into the cylinder 29 located above the springs f of the vehicle, so that the pistons g are forced out of their cylinders p in up position to the action of their tension springs r. The displacer O is forced down until all the pistons q touch the vehicle springs 7 cooperating with them. The measuring piston a, which is subject to the action of the spring R, remains stationary, because, as was stated above, the pressure ofthe spring is considerably greater than the sum of the tensions of all the springs r acting against the cooperating pistons g. The parts of the appliance will now be in the positions shown in Figs. 4 and 5. I

On the vehicle beingloaded, the pistons g are forced into their cylinders p,displace the fluid in the latter through the pipes 0 into the measuring cylinder 74?. and. force the measuring piston a in the stationary dis-- placer O upwards against the action of the spring R. The parts of the arrangement are thus brought into the positionsshown in Figs. 6 and 7 and the original distance a;

(Fig. 5) between the centre of the inner surface of the spring and the head of the piston is reduced from aato on (Fig. 7).

Since the linear decrease of the original distance as to the valve m (Figs. 5 and T) (.r-az d) is proportional to the load, and the values (Z are proportional to the upward thrust ofthe measuring piston 72, the

upward thrusts of the latter are tional to the load.

The curve scale marked on the measuring piston n, which indicates whole tens or tions of tons, must be adjusted when the device is mounted, that is, it must be ascerproportained along which vertical line to be marked.

on the measurin piston the readings on the curve scale should be takenr For this purpose the vehicle is loaded with a known weight, for instance, wit-hi. ton, and the measuring piston n'turned until the gradna tion Zcuts the mark 2. Through that point of the graduation Z, which coincides with the mark 2, a vertical line i is then engraved on the measuring piston 71, and the readings must be taken along this lin until it is necessary to have a fresh testof the scale, which'will become necessary owing to the springs becoming tired after a cer-- tain period. Figs. 6 and 7 show by way oi example the position of the members, when the springs of the vehicle, which co-operate with the measuring cylinder, have been loaded with 1.5 tons.

If the measuring appliance should be left in the position shown in Figs. 6 and 7, when driving. the strong dynamic blows caused by the load would soon make the correct functioning of the device doubtful.

In order to protect the measuring device from the action of such blows, the screw cap it is screwed upwards after the loading is completed and before driving commences,

until, owing to the fluid in the measuring cylinder m being entirely freed from the load, the tension springs 7' have forced the pistons 9 into their cylinders p and the measuring piston or has-again completely entered the displacer 0 owing to the action of its spring R (see Figs. '8 and 9).

hen the measuring appliance has been brought into this position, that is, whenthe measuring piston n has completely entered the displacer O, the load can no longer be checked by means of the appliances described hitherto, for the reading at the be ginning of the drive on the scale i (Fig. 6) was taken on the assumption that the displacer O was in the position shown in Figs. 41- and 6, when loading was commenced, which. position can no longer be ascertained when the displacer has been brought into the top position (Fig. it would be possible to fix this position by scratching a mark, in the position shown in Fig. 6 on to the cylinder m below the bottom edge of the screw cap'u. As, however, the initial positions of the displacer 0 (Fig. 4) or those of the screw cap u are subject to great variations owing to the variations in the volume of the fluid, (losses. action of temperature), a new mark would have to be inscribed at the beginning of each drive. It would be just as impractical if a scale were YIltlI'liQtl on the cylinder m as in that case at the beginning of each drive a second number would have to be memorized, as well as the loading weight.

In order to solve the problem put forward in the simplest manner, the so-called checl-:- ing apparatus is fitted to the measuring cylinder. This checking apparatus consists, as was ilescribed above. of the screw (1;, nich engages with the flange Z) of the screw cap w, of the sleeve e, which is screwed on to the screw a, and of the vertical post 10, which is fixed on'the flange 9 and on which thesleeve 0; slides.

A curve scale showing weights is pro-.

vehicle.

For the requisite setting of thecnrve i scale of the post w, when mounting the appliance, the apparatus is first brought, before the Vehicle is loaded, into the positions shown in Figs. 4 and 5, that is. the

screw cap is screwed down until the pistons Q touch the tops of the springs, when the vilhicle is in an unloaded state. The sleeve w is thereupon brought into such a position by turning it, that its lower edge coincides with the horizontal zero line 0 of the scale on the post 10. The screw cap u is then screwed up again (the position shown in Fig. 2) .and the vehicle is loaded with a known load, for instance 1.5 tons.

The screw cap a is thereupon screwed down again (Figs. 10 and 11) until the pistons ,1 touch the springs f of the vehicle, after which a fine vertical line 6 is engraved on the post to passing through the point of intersection of the graduation 1.5 with the lower edge of the sleeve 1).. The weight of a load can then be read off on this linee until fresh adjustment is necessary.

For obtaining exact records with the cap n, which is in the top position shown in Fig. 8, until all the pistons g are again zero line of the in contact with the springs f of the vehicle (Figs. 10 and 11.). The intersection of the ine 6 on the post w with the lower edge of the sleeve 7, will then give the weight of the load. i

That this reading is correct will be seen from the following explanation I When the vehicle is not loaded the piston 9 must be lowered from its top position 'L 3), until it contacts with the spring he vel'iicle, by the distance (Fig. 5), which purpose the screw cap a must be brought into the position shown in Fig.

i, during which operation the sleeve o comes, according to what was stated above,

to the Zero line or the scale on the post Q0. W hen the wagon is loaded (Fig. 6 or iii) the piston Q must only be lowered through. the distance x, in order to touch the spring ;"and the value w- ;c":rZ is thus proportional to the load acccrdingto what w s stated above. The values y i0) which is the distance oi thesleeve from the zero on the scale to, when. the pistons.

line s were prsscd down until they come in contact with the springs f of tl e vehicle, with the vehicle in a loaded condition, that is, the

- readings on the scale on w are proportional avith the displacer t).

to the values Z:aa.w: withfd wl/ also :to and the greater the valueott (Z the greater Will. be the distance y of the sleeve o from the Zero line, when the pistons are in contact with-the springs of the vehicle.

As, however, the values (Z are directly proportional to the-loads and the values y are directly proportional to the, values 65, it follows, that the values 1 that is, the

, readings on the scale on w are also directly proportional to the loads. The readings on the scale of the post thus alsogive the weights of the load at any time. In its nature the sleeve o is nothing more nor less than an index member which is adjustable in height and is raised and lowered The constructional form shown in the drawing, in which the sleeve 4) is raised and lowered by the screw cap a, which performs the same movements as the displacer O, was chosen for the sole reason that it :is constructionally more simple. a i a In place of the hydraulic transmission, mechanical transmission members can of course be used, such as levers, links, flexible and rigid shaft-s, cord driven "gearing and thelike.

Having now particularly described and as,

certained the nature of said invention and in what manner the same is to be peritormed, we declare that what we claim 18 1. In an appliance for measuring the use-' piston away from the vehicle spring, and a displacer piston for displacing the fluid containedin said measuring cylinder.

.2. In an appliance for measuring the useiul load in spring vehicles, the combination with a vehiclespring, of a piston actuated by the same, a cylinder for said piston sup- I ported on the frame of. the vehicle, a

measuring cylinder, a measuring piston for In an apphcance for measuring the useful load in spring vehicles, the combination with a vehicle spring, oi a piston actuated by the same, a oyllnder for said p1ston supported on the frame of the vehicle, a measur.

ing, cylinder, a measuring piston for the measuring cylinder provided with a weight scale, means operatively connecting said cyl' inders, whereby movement of the first mentioned piston by said spring will cause movement of the measuring piston, a dispiacer piston, and aself-locking mechanism for forcing said displacer piston into the measuring cylinder.

4t. In an appliance for measuring the useful load in spring vehicles, the combination with a vehicle spring, of a piston actuated by the same, a cylinder for said piston supported on the frame of the vehicle, a measuring cylinder, a measuring piston for the measuring cylinder provided with a weight scale, means operatively connecting said cylinders, whereby movement of the first mentioned piston by said spring will cause movement of the measuring piston, a displacer piston cooperating with, the measuring cylinder, an indicating member actuated by said displacer piston, a fixed weight scale cooperating with said indicating member, and means for adjusting said indicating member.

5. In an appliance tor measuring the useful load in spring vehicles, the combination with a vehicle spring, oita piston actuated by the same, a cylinder tor said piston supported on the fltiIIN-JO'f the vehicle, a measuring cylinder, a measuring piston tor the measuring cylinder provided with a weight scale, means operatively connecting said cylinders, whereby movement of the first Imentioned piston by said spring will cause movement of the measuring piston, a displacer piston formed by a cylindrical sleeve,

an indicating member actuated by said displacer piston, and a fixed post provided with a weight scale and cooperating with saidv ported on the frame of the vcl's' l a measuring cylinder, a measuring pis M1 for the measuring cylinder provided wit weight scale, means opcratively connecting said cylinders, whereby movement oi the first mentioned p' in i); said spring will cause movement of the measuring piston, a displacer piston arranged in the measuring cylinder, an indicating member actuated by said displacer piston, and a fixed weight scale cooperating with said indicating member, said weight scale oil the measuringpiston and said fixed scale being provided with curved graduations.

7. The combination with a vehicle spring member and a frame member, of a cylinder mounted on one of said members, a piston cooperating with said cylinder and arranged to be actuated by the other member, a measuring cylinder provided with a piston having a Weight scale, and means operatively connecting said cylinders, whereby movement of said members towards one another will cause the first mentioned piston to enter its cylinder and the second men tioned piston to move out of its cylinder.

8. The combination with a vehicle spring member and a frame member, of a cylinder mounted on one of said members, a piston cooperating with said cylinder and arranged to be actuated by one of said members, a-

measuring cylinder, a pipe placing the interior of the measuring cylinder in comuninication with the interior of the first mentioned cylinder and adapted to convey fluid from one cylinder to the other, and a m uring piston arranged in the measurin inder and provided with a weight sc 9. A combination as claimed in claim 8 in which a displacer piston is arranged in the measuring cylinder and surrounds said mcasuring iston.

10. A combination as claimed in claim 8 including auxiliary means for forcing the first mentioned piston into its cylinder.

11. A combination as claimed in claim 8,

in which a displacer piston is arranged in the measuring cylinder and surrounds the measuring piston, an adjustable cap for the measuring cylinder engaging said displacer piston for forcing the same into the meas' uring cylinder, a spring arranged Within the displacer piston for forcing the measuring piston into the displacer piston, other springs of less strength than the first men tioned spring for forcing the first mentioned piston into its cylinder, a fixed scale, an indicating member cooperating with the fixed. scale, and adjustable means connecting said indicating member with said cap.

OSKAR SONNLECHNER; J. SGHIDLOVSKY. 

